Fanjing Mountain peak is the summit of the Wuling Mountain Range of south-central China, in the region where Guizhou and Hunan converge with the border of Chongqing. Since ancient times, it has been known as the "Top Mountain of Guizhou".
Fanjing has played an important part in the history of Chinese Buddhism. Over the ages, it has been visited by emperors and Buddhist pilgrims. It hosts a unique natural habitat that is home to a number of rare plant and animal species.
In 1986, Fanjing Mountain was recognized as one of the International Network of Biosphere Reserves, and on July 2, 2018 it was approved for inclusion on the UNESCO list of World Natural Heritages.
Facts
- Name: Fanjing (梵净, Pure Buddhist Land) Mountain
- Location: northeast of Guizhou Province, in Tongren prefecture.
- Altitude: 2,572 meters
- Area: 567 square kilometers
- Must-sees: the New and Old Golden Summits, the Mushroom Stone
- Suitable for: nature-lovers, mountaineers
Natural Highlights
Fanjing MountainFanjing Mountain has a well-preserved virgin forest, the largest of its kind in Guizhou Province. The area has been designated a national nature reserve by the government of the PRC, and is now included on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List.
Landscape
Fanjing Mountain has many outcroppings of rock, most of which have been greatly eroded over time, resulting in odd-shaped eccentricities, sheer cliffs, and narrow precipices.
There are some stone pillars here and there, survivors from generations of erosion. There are also some caves, home to stalactites and stalagmites.
The mountain has eight major streams etched into its slopes, some of which produce raging rapids, as well as countless small brooks.
Plants & Animals
Due to its pristine state, the area around Fanjing Mountain is prime habitat for a number of plant and animal species.
There are altogether more than 800 plant species in the reserve. Among them 15 are under protection, including the dove tree (with flowers in the shape of a dove) and the Chinese tulip tree.
Fanjing Mountain also hosts 14 kinds of nationally protected animal. Among them, the Guizhou golden monkeys are only found in the Fanjing Mountain district.
Attractions
Old Golden Summit
The Old Golden Summit is 2,493 meters above sea level. When observed from a distance, it looks like the kind of rice steamer used by farmers.
Around the Old Golden Summit there are lots of strange and magnificent views, such as the Book Scrolls, the Mushroom Stone, the Eagle Rock and others. Besides the fantastic views from the summit, many temples are located there.
Mushroom Stone
Mushroom StoneThis special mushroom-shaped rock sits on the summit, and is now an icon of Fanjing Mountain. It is 9.4 meters tall, and about 1 billion years old. Many artists have created work based on the Mushroom Stone.
New Golden Summit
The New Golden Summit is 2,336 meters in altitude. If you are lucky enough, you will see the peak surrounded by carnation-colored mists which symbolize the blessing of Buddha.
The top of the summit is on the other side of a gorge and connected by an arched stone bridge. Two temples are on separate crags of the summit: Shakyamuni Temple and Mile Temple.
Buddhist Temples
Buddha figure in Fanjing MountainThe name "Fanjing" means "Pure Buddhist Land". In its heyday, the mountain was home to 4 emperor temples and 48 active temples, though only a few of these remain today. Some of the largest temples are near the summit of the mountain, and the scenery around is very spectacular.
- Huguo Temple: This is one of the four Emperor Temples on Fanjing Mountain, covering an area of 3,000 square meters. Today, six wooden buildings from Huguo still exist. The temple is endowed with beautiful natural scenery, embracing the clouds in the morning and bathing in rain in the evening.
- Cheng'en Temple: This is between the New and Old Golden Summits. Its gate still stands intact in front of the main hall, after many years. There are four halls on either side of the temple. Only ruins of the walls can be seen today, however.
- Zhenguo Temple: This was originally built during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), but collapsed around 1949. Only ruins of the walls still exist on the site, though the main hall, side hall, rooms accommodating monks, and kitchen are all faintly discernible.
Time to Visit
Fanjing Mountain has different kinds of scenery in different seasons:
- Spring (March to May): This may be the most beautiful season, for azalea flowers bloom all around the mountain.
- Summer (June to August): The streams and ponds on the mountain have a greater volume of water, and all the trees turn green. This is the rainy season. If you choose to travel in summer, remember to bring an umbrella, raincoat, water-proof shoes and thicker clothes.
- Autumn (September to November): The whole mountain becomes a world of color! The trees at lower altitudes may turn yellow and red, while at higher altitudes they are still green. The weather is usually fair.
- Winter (December to February): The mountain is covered by snow, as if in a Chinese painting. Winter is the off-season, for the weather can be freezing cold, and the paths are slippery. Travelers should be in good physical condition and should bring some professional equipment to travel Fanjing Mountain in winter.
See also Guizhou climate and weather.
Travel Routes
In traveling to Fanjing Mountain, you can either take a cable car up and enjoy the scenery, or scale the 8,000 steps by foot and reach the summit that way. You can choose between the south and west routes.
South Route (standard route, with cableway)
Fanjing Mountain stepsYou can climb Fanjing Mountain starting from Jiangkou County. There are two ways of reaching the summit: Climb 8,000 steps all the way up, or ride a cable car most of the way.
- If you go by foot, it may need 4 to 5 hours to climb all 8,000 steps. This is quite a challenge, because the path is steep and difficult to walk.
- If you ride a cable car, you will alight at the upper cableway station, at the 6,600-step position on foot (altitude 2,100 meters).
From the upper cableway station, it takes another 2 hours to visit the Mushroom Stone and reach the Old Golden Summit. If you want to visit both the New and Old Golden Summits, this requires at least 3 to 4 hours on the mountain. You can choose just one, or neither, depending on your physical condition.
West Route (fewer people choose this route, without cableway)
You can climb Fanjing Mountain starting from Yinjiang County. This route is easier, but still a big challenge, and there is no cableway. The road from Tongren to Yingjiang is much longer than the one to Jiangkou.
Fewer travelers go this way. After traveling around the mountain, you can go down along the 8,000 stone steps or by cableway to Jiangkou. In this way, you can cover all the major scenic spots, and never retrace your steps. If your time and physical condition permit, this can be a plan B during peak season.
Ask your travel consultant or guide for advice on the travel routes. Also let your guide help you avoid the crowds during peak season.
Arrival Transportation
From Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, travelers can reach Tongren directly by high-speed train. There are about 19 trains a day from Guiyang North, and 3 from Guiyang East Railway Station to Tongren South Railway Station. The journey only takes about 1 to 1.4 hours. Travel by car is another option, though that will take about 5 hours.
After arriving in Tongren, you can take a taxi to Jiangkou county town, from where you can visit Fanjing Mountain by the south route. The journey takes about an hour. If you prefer to use the west route from Yinjiang County, you will need to ride a car for at least 2 hours.
Lack of English could be a challenge, but a guide could help you solve that problem.
Travel Tips
The weather is changeable at the summit, and the temperature can drop about 8 to 9°C from the foot of the mountain to the peak. So no matter when you go, some long-sleeved clothes are needed.
The district has lots of rainfall, so it is best to prepare some rain gear. The wind is sometimes strong, and a raincoat may be more practical than an umbrella.
The mountain paths are sometimes slippery, especially after rain and in winter. A good pair mountaineering shoes is highly recommended. Watch your steps on the mountain!
Climb Fanjing Mountain with Us
Discover the beauty of Fanjing MountainIf you love and want to explore nature, check the following itinerary encompassing Fanjing Mountain, as well as many other attractions in Guizhou and Zhangjiajie:
10-Day UNESCO Natural Wonder Discovery
Check out our other Guizhou tours and Zhangjiajie Tours for ideas. All itineraries can be modified according to your requirements!
Or, you can customize your own tour.